Motherwell saw off Dundee United under the Fir Park lights with a deserved 2-0 win. It was a perfect preparation for a trip to Hampden.
A big home support cheered the players off the pitch after a goal in each half brought back to back wins. They will follow their favourites to the upcoming semi-final heartened by the manner of the victory.
There were five changes from the eleven that started at Livingston. It says much for the depth of the squad that the team was able to maintain the characteristic Askou style from the start and that the strong bench was able to offer freshness when needed in the second half.
Motherwell’s massive dominance of the ball in the first period was almost embarrassing. United chased shadows for long spells and were absent as an attacking force until after the break. Despite long spells with the ball in attacking areas it took until 25 minutes for a shot at goal. Callum Hendry’s effort was comfortably saved by Kucherenko
It seemed to act as a catalyst as others chanced their luck within minutes. Stephen O’Donnell switched wings but the change was short lived as O’Donnell limped off ten minutes before the interval. He missed the ‘Well’s last appearance at Hampden and we hope that he is able to take part on Saturday.
Jim Goodwin’s team littered the game with petty fouls as their frustration grew. They collected a couple of yellow cards.
O'Donnell's replacement, Emmanuel Longelo, provided that assist for the opening goal when his run on the left ended with a low ball into the danger area. Tawanda Maswanhise ran in from the right and flicked the ball into the net. There was some relief that Motherwell’s reward had arrived. Had they reached the break without the lead after such dominance many fans would have feared the worst.
Jim Goodwin made use of his substitutes for the restart and they were seen as an attacking force for the first time. Motherwell were tested in defence but they stood firm.
Maswanhise got on the end of a long ball and ran through only to see his shot come off of the ‘keeper. A scramble followed but no goal.
A bit of luck arrived when Luca Stephenson rattled the ball off the post but the second goal was not long delayed. Elliot Watt provided comfort with a fine shot from around 24 yards. There was no way back for the visitors and the three points were secured.
Ten fixtures into the season and Motherwell are in the top six with a trip to Hampden to come.
Come on ye ‘Well.
Motherwell 2 Dundee United 0
Attendance 6,446
Team: Ward, O’Donnell (Longelo 77), McGinn, Welsh (Gordon 69), Watt, Charles-Cook (Said 64), Slattery, Fadinger, Maswanhise (Sparrow 81), Hendry (Stamatelopoulos 64)
Wednesday 29 October 2025
